Australia "Will Provide a Safe Haven for Hong Kong Residents"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Australia has announced that it is actively considering providing a safe haven for Hong Kong residents in response to the enforcement of the Hong Kong National Security Law, which is expected to deepen conflicts with China.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 2nd, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, "The situation in Hong Kong (following the passage of the National Security Law) is very concerning," adding, "Australia is actively considering ways to provide a safe haven for Hong Kong residents. We have been preparing support for Hong Kong people." He further stated, "These measures will soon be reviewed by the cabinet," suggesting that approval could be granted shortly.

Prime Minister Morrison's remarks come amid worsening relations between Australia and China, following Australia's call for an international investigation into COVID-19 and China's economic retaliation against Australia. The SCMP predicted, "This statement is likely to further escalate tensions between the two countries."

Earlier, the United Kingdom also expressed its intention to support Hong Kong by announcing that it would offer unrestricted citizenship to millions of Hong Kong residents to enable them to live stably in the UK after the enforcement of the National Security Law, thereby pressuring China.

On the 1st (local time), UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated in Parliament immediately after the enforcement of the National Security Law, "Millions of Hong Kong residents holding British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports will have a pathway to resettle in the UK with their spouses and children," and criticized, "The National Security Law violates the 'Sino-British Joint Declaration (Hong Kong Handover Agreement)' signed in 1984, which includes the principle that Hong Kong's existing system will be basically maintained for 50 years after the sovereignty handover."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.